NORTHBOROUGH FIRE SERVICES
ANNUAL REPORT 2011
The following information and statistics are provided for the Northborough Fire Department for 2011:
Emergency Incident Response
During the year, the Northborough Fire Department responded to 2,180 emergency incidents, performed 868 inspectional services, and authorized open burning 754 times. Comparative analysis of twelve other similar-sized communities reveals the fire department operates at an 18% below average cost per capita and 3% above average cost per incident.
Fire loss during the year totaled $280,000 with $228,000 from structure losses, $31,000 from vehicle losses, and $21,000 from other unclassified losses. I am pleased to report that there were no fire-related civilian or firefighter fatalities, only one civilian injury and one firefighter injury during 2011.
Ambulance/Advanced Life Support
The fire department operates two Class One state-licensed ambulances at the paramedic advanced life support level. These units responded to 1,191 requests for emergency medical services in 2011.
2011 Severe Weather Events
The department was faced with a multitude of severe weather events throughout the year. In June, tornados touched down in western Massachusetts and on the periphery of Worcester County. Northborough responded an engine company as part of the State Fire Mobilization Plan’s Structural Task Force 14-B to the City of Springfield. The task force engaged in search and rescue missions in the heart of Springfield and outlying suburban neighborhoods.
Fire Chaplain Richard Martino was also activated for two days to the Town of Monson as part of the Department of Fire Services’ Chaplain Corps to support the fire department, town departments, and the town’s people.
On August 26, Hurricane Irene, now a tropical storm, made landfall in New England as a rain and wind event. Preplanning and preparation were commenced well in advance of Irene’s arrival with several departmental readiness and town departmental meetings. The town’s Emergency Operations Center was activated under a unified command encompassing the Department of Public Works, police, fire, EMS, emergency preparedness, and town government. Efforts following Irene were focused on road opening and debris removal, and interfacing with National Grid, power restoration to insure timely service to the town.
On October 28, a fast moving northeaster brought heavy, wet snow to Northborough with catastrophic tree damage, unprecedented road closures, and the complete loss of power for days. Immediate action was begun to reopen roads for the protection of life and property and movement of utility crews to restore electricity, phone, and cable services. Assistance was requested through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency for assistance with tree removal. Two saw crews from the National Guard were dispatched, and a tree bucket crew from the Department of Conservation and Recreation were provided, as well as two supervisors and six trouble trucks sent from National Grid. A private tree crew and bucket truck were contracted to assist with emergency road opening, and all
roads were passable by the afternoon of October 31.
Efforts continued on the ultimate restoration of power, and by pairing government, National Grid, and out-of-state utility crews, power was restored to 80 percent of the town on the morning of November 1.
Fire Prevention and Public Education
The department continues to be proactive in fire safety, first aid, CPR, and fire extinguisher training throughout the community. Fire education, safety training programs, and the S.A.F.E. program and grant are under the direction of Captain/EMT-I Robert P. Theve. To take advantage of any of our safety or educational opportunities, please call (508) 393-1537.
Regional Firefighting Collaborations
The department continues to be involved at the regional level through Massachusetts Fire District Fourteen for the coordination of mutual aid resources, hazardous materials mitigation response, dive rescue, confined space and trench rescue, weapons of mass destruction, decontamination, and ten alarm/disaster dispatching. The department personnel and equipment also participate in the State Fire Mobilization Plan.
Recruitment
Anyone interested in joining the department or in learning more about career and on-call opportunities is encouraged to contact the department at (508) 393-1537.
Respectfully submitted,
David M. Durgin
David M. Durgin
Fire Chief
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